Yesterday, the Senate released its budget and we learned that the Senate Appropriations Committee stripped all of the school choice improvements proposed by the House in HB 1001 and HB 1591. Unfortunately, the Senate budget does NOT remove the voucher eligibility tracks, ensure kindergarten access to the Choice Scholarship Program, or increase the financial eligibility for both voucher and SGO programs.
To say this is disappointing is an understatement. Indiana has been a leader in school choice and has wisely understood the value of non-public schools in providing a faith filled choice for Hoosier families. One might even conclude that the Senate Appropriations Committee does not support Hoosier families in making the education choices that are best for their children.
Please contact your State Senator immediately and tell them to add these improvements to the Choice Scholarship Program back into the Senate budget. The Senate will continue to work on its budget next week, so it is critical that you voice your concerns NOW.
Our friends at INPEA has a button on their website to connect to their Legislative Action Center (https://inpea.org/for-advocates/legislative-action-center/). At the bottom of that page, you will see the Current Campaign information.
Start with yourself in contacting your state senator. Reach out and encourage your representative as well. Then, encourage friends and family members to reach out to their State Senators. We need everyone to speak up in support of non-public schools and especially our Lutheran Schools!
